I understand the impact of Nsaids and LB... but what does someone do for the arthritis pain?

Talk to your doctor. Not all doctors forbid them on a case by case basis.

I still take NSAIDS almost daily with the blessing of my surgeon to do so. His reasoning is, I've never had GERDS or ulcers before the band, and my band isn't too tight, so there's no reason to think I'd have problems with NSAIDS post banding.

Again, talk to your doctor because everyone is unique.

Missy is right. Talk to your doctor. I take nsaids daily for my bum knee. Without them, I'd be in worse pain than I already am. I hope to be able to go off them at some point as I continue to lose weight but for now, I have no choice..

Is liquid Motrin ok?

NASIDS can cause acute gastritis and ulcers if left untreated in a Bandster. This can happen even if medication to coat the stomach is being taken.

Initially my surgeon gave me permission to take an occasional Advil liquigel. Then I had 2 surgeries less than 2 months apart. I took a total of 4 liquigels. The 2 in December did not present any problems, the 2 in February did. I am now in my second month of 2 months of treatment with Carafate and Protonix. I would not wish this on anyone.

However I had surgery, and visceral pain is different from skeletal pain. I've had good results with a topical medication Pennsaid, which is a NASID. My surgeon advised me that this medication does not put a Bandster at risk for GI issues, as you apply the drops or gel directly onto the area which is painful.

Your physician may have a different professional opinion from mine, so you need to ask them about your options.